This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’ve been to Las Vegas several times with friends and family, most recently this past weekend with my husband for a short getaway. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas has something fun for everyone, and tons of repeat value. Here are my favorite things to do in Las Vegas:
1. Walk the Strip
Why Visit:
The Las Vegas Strip is a 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard famed for its dazzling neon lights, lavish resorts, and nonstop entertainment.
Highlights:
- Sphere → massive entertainment venue with an exterior LED display called the “Exosphere.” Even if you don’t see a show inside, it’s worth a stop to see the imagery from the outside.
- Bellagio Fountains → free water show set to music every 15-30 minutes.
- High Roller → the largest observation wheel in North America. I watched the New Years Eve fireworks from there in 2016 and it was a pretty cool experience!
- Eiffel Tower → half-scale replica of the Paris original, with a free light show that sparkles for several minutes every 30 minutes between sunset and midnight.
How to Go:
Go at night to avoid the heat and to see the lights at their best. Things are farther apart than they look and you’ll need to take pedestrian bridges to across the streets, so plan for extra time.
2. Watch a Show
Why Visit:
Las Vegas features hundreds of shows, from major Cirque du Soleil productions and long-term artist residencies, to comedy acts, magic shows, and smaller lounge performances.
Highlights:
- “O” by Cirque du Soleil (Bellagio) → breathtaking aquatic spectacle above a 1.5-million-gallon pool featuring eight Olympians alongside world-class acrobats and circus artists.
- Carrot Top (Luxor) → hilarious stand-up comic famous for his red hair and wacky props.
- Piff the Magic Dragon (Flamingo) → combines magic with comedy and is great for all ages!
- Shin Lim: LIMITLESS (The Venetian) → there’s a reason why Shim Lim won both America’s Got Talent in 2018 and AGT: The Champions in 2020 — he has both charisma and skill!
- Absinthe (Caesars Palace) → adults-only comedy, circus and burlesque named “the #1 greatest show in Las Vegas history” by Las Vegas Weekly. I have not seen this but my husband has and enjoyed it.
How to Go:
Book tickets online in advance through the official sites. Weekday shows are often cheaper than weekend performances.
3. Shop ‘Til You Drop
Why Visit:
Las Vegas has a dense concentration of diverse shopping destinations, from luxury brands, themed shopping centers, to value-oriented stores. It’s a shopping lover’s paradise!
Highlights:
- Grand Canal Shoppes → beautiful mall inside the Venetian with indoor canals and a painted sky ceiling. You can even take gondola rides on the canals.
- Forum Shops → located at Caesars Palace and designed to feel like ancient Rome indoors.
- Fashion Show Las Vegas → massive mall with a retractable runway and occasional live fashion shows.
- Las Vegas Premium Outlets → great for discounted designer and name-brand shopping.
How to Go:
Wear comfortable shoes because these malls are huge!
4. Try Different Cuisines
Why Visit:
From fine dining and celebrity restaurants to buffets and street food, Las Vegas offers an incredible range of food experiences.
Highlights:
- Taco el Gordo → authentic, Tijuana-style street tacos (around $4 each). My favorite was the pork!
- Chinatown → I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and authentic the Chinese food here was.
- Golden Steer Steakhouse → classic steakhouse recommended by our tour guide, though it was fully booked during our visit.
How to Go:
For popular restaurants, it’s best to reserve in advance for guaranteed entry. For example, we tried to walk in to Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar before 5PM and was told the wait would be 3.5 hours. Even casual places we visited had lines.
5. Day Trip to Valley of Fire
Why Visit:
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, known for its fire-red Aztec sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
Highlights:
- Fire Wave → the park’s most iconic trail, featuring swirling red, white, and pink rock patterns.
- Elephant Rock → naturally formed rock shaped like an elephant.
- Bighorn Sheep → if you get lucky like us, you might spot some sheep by their white butts!
- Petroglyphs → see the ancient, prehistoric images that were carved into the rocks.
How to Go:
Valley of Fire is about an hour drive from the Strip. I joined a half day tour that covered all the highlights. One big perk of going with a tour is being dropped off much closer to the Fire Wave trailhead, saving about 30 minutes of hiking each way in the heat. I also learned a lot about the park’s petroglyphs and Las Vegas’ surprisingly connections with the mob. If you visit on your own, there is an entrance fee. Bring plenty of water since there is very little shade in the park. During hot weather (typically summer), some hiking trails may close, so check conditions before visiting.
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Check out my top 5 tips to help you prepare.
Leave a Reply